CASA DE CAMPO

[Dina]

My husband and I are looking into the case de campo resort. He loves to play golf, and I like to relax on the beach. So we are looking for a place to accomodate the both of us.

Has anyone been there that can give me feedback?

I am mostly concerned with the beach area. It is nice? Is the water clear blue? I can't find any pictures of the beach on the Internet.

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[Henry]

It?s generally a nice resort for upper class people! Everything including properties is pretty expensive! I believe they have a nice pool, but the beaches are of rather minor quantity! It?s a very closed of resort and the closest town is La Romana, which does not have to offer much to tourists!

If you travel as tourists, you might better try it elsewhere, as other resorts have to offer more including golf and better beaches (Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata etc.).

If you consider it as a retirement place you may can book in the Hotel and check it up calmy!

Take care!

Henry

 

[Pib]

My two cents....

I heard someone call AI's "concentration camps for tourists". If I had to expend my vacation in a AI Casa de Campo it is. I have been there quite a few times, and trust me, it doesn't get ANY better than that. Now about the beach, it is acceptable, not the biggest attraction.

For more info/pics check http://www.casadcampo.com/

 

[lili]

if you like golf sure casa di campo its the best place i have another good golf to metro hotel marina and golf, juan dolio the price its more cheap because casa di campo its millionaire place. you can't stay at bayahibe and play golf at casa di campo everyday!!

 

[Jim Hinsch]

See http://www.geocities.com/jimhinsch/dominican_republic/trip_reports/casa_de_campo_97.htm.

Neither the beach nor the pool rates higher than fair.

Visit this resort when then beach and pool are less important than the golf and the food, both of which are the resort's strong points.

 

[Pib]

I couldn't have said it better...

Your report is extremely accurate (at lest I think it is). Golf is the big thing going on there. If you don't play golf you'll miss half the fun. For non-golfers as myself it gets quite boring after 4 days, but I take vacations because that's when I am allowed to get bored, so...

 

[hillbilly]

My 2? worth

I agree with the PIB and Jim. It is a GOLF resort with only fair service, IMO, and Altos de Chavon as an attraction.
I think that IF I could afford a vacation at Casa de Campo, which I can but wouldn't, I'd look at this site and see if maybe there isn't a nicer place available on the North Shore near Playa Grande. Better beaches and great golf.

Click to see.

good Luck.

HB

P.S. Check out Sea Horse Ranch, Villa Cabo Fino or Nanny's they are fabulous! Near both golf courses and have spectacular beaches and service like you won't believe....

 

[Jim Hinsch]

Re: My nickel to your 2? worth *PIC*

I'd say the beach at the Sea Horse Ranch is not spectacular; very private, but only "good" as far as beaches go (a step up from fair).

I thought the service throughout Casa de Campo was not only the best overall I've ever experienced in the Dominican Republic, but it is the standard by which all other properties should strive to achieve. An additional plus is that almost all of the employees speak at least some English and most speak decent English.

Note that the beach is NOT walking distance from 95% of the lodging, nor is much of the dining.

Personally, I don't think the place is a good value. I suggest the Hamaca Hotel for the pool/beach lover (www.BocaChicaBeach.net) and the Metro for golf, which is a 20 minute taxi ride away (http://www.metrocountryclub.com/). You also have a casino on site and it is only about 100 minutes from Casa de Campo and 45 minutes from the center of Santo Domingo. That leaves lots of options for activities.

The main pool at the Hamaca:

The Beach at the Hamaca:

The Beach next to the Hamaca:

The Metro:

 

[Pib]

Bingo!

Again I agree with you Jim (we finally have something to agree on, roll the drums). The service in Casa de Campo is not only ABOVE average, it is EXCELLENT. If this was a perfect world I would be getting that kind of service everywhere.

 

[Chris]

CASA DE CAMPO - update

Jim,

Follow this board often but seldom post (I learn more by listening/reading rather than speaking/posting). Have high respect for your knowledge of so many aspects of the DR.
Recently returned from what has become a once or twice a year visit with friends in Bayahibe La Romana and Casa de Campo. As usual played golf there with resident friends.

Agree with your rating on the service and your overall comments in your 1997 review. Perhaps some "update is appropriate". Since hurricane Georges in Sept 98 many things have been improved. La Cana bar totally rebuilt upscale from before. Beach is still limited in size but improvements in seating, umbrellas, added trees, better service etc. (Agree not one of the best beaches in DR but adequate). Beach restaurant Pescadora totally new, covered with thatch roof, open sides and much larger. Also serves dinners at night except at times during slow tourist season.

Agree golf is primary recreation attraction but many people visit to use other facilities, i.e World Class shooting facility, top notch tennis facility and excellent equestrian/polo center. Most restaurants and menus upgraded following "Georges". New Sahara restaurant at Shooting center is excellent with small but more unique selections than the more standard fare found in most others. Lago grill still serves excellent breakfast and luncheon buffets. Improvement made to hotel pool area with new in-water bar and "Upper Deck" light food Gazebo over the water. lot of landscaping improvement throughout.

Was really impressed with visit to new "Marina Chavon" which is nearing completion. Believe it will be fantastic. In addition to berthing, condos and villas, Marina will have commercial area with what appears to be about fifty establishments including a few new restaurants. However, like everything else at Casa de Campo, expect it will be pricey (understand smallest two-bedroom condos begin at $300,000.00 US.- wow)

This not intended to be critical of your or others views but perhaps a beneficial update for those who may be interested. Would also be interested in reading additional comments by others.

Jim, keep on posting, your information is often quite helpful.

 

[Marc]

North?

I am not sure if you are tied to the south coast, but there are two Trent-Jones courses on the north coast, and the one at Playa Grande has about 11 of its holes along cliffs on the ocean. The golfing at Playa Dorado (the other one) is far less spectacular.

Playa Grande is a great beach.

If you want the blue, blue water that you see in postcards, though, you won't find it on the North Coast unless you head to Samana, and I don't know of any golfing there...

How am I doing? Am I even close?
m